Union Power Ministry gets work started on project
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Feb 4: In a major development for power potential rich but power starved Jammu and Kashmir, the work on the project aimed at providing alternate connectivity to the State with the Northern Grid has finally begun. With the completion of this prestigious project, the power reliability in the State will improve considerably and give required impetus to the industrial promotion.
The work on the project—Jallandhar-Jammu-Srinagar 400 KV power transmission line via Mughal Road has begun more than two years after Northern Region Power Committee gave nod to the project in its meeting held in November 2012.
This was the long pending demand of Jammu and Kashmir as at present the State is connected with the Northern Grid only through Kishenpur-Moga transmission line. Because of only one connectivity, the State witnesses total darkness in case of any fault in the line.
Official sources told EXCELSIOR that Union Ministry of Power has given the task of laying Jallandhar-Jammu-Srinagar 400 KV line via Mughal Road to M/s Sterlite Company by way of tariff based bidding.
“The company has started the work on the project from Jallandhar and will complete the project within a period of three years provided J&K Government extends all necessary support to the company”, sources said.
In response to a question, they said that with the completion of this project a complete ring of 400 KV line with two separate links with the Northern Grid would be in place for whole of the State.
“The power reliability would improve considerably in entire State in general and Rajouri-Poonch belt in particular”, sources said, adding “at present Rajouri-Poonch is having network of 132 KV transmission line but following completion of this project the twin border districts would be able to have 220 KV power stations like the one which is being constructed at Siot”.
Moreover with this alternate line, Kashmir valley will not plunge into complete darkness in case of any fault in Kishenpur-Wagoora transmission line, which at present is the only lifeline for entire Valley, sources said.
“Another importance of the project is that it will help in industrial promotion as with the availability of extra reliable power more and more private players will come forward to establish their units in J&K”, they said. Besides, the existing industrial units would get required impetus.
“The possibility of Rajouri and Poonch areas attracting attention of industry players cannot be ruled out as these border districts would be the major beneficiaries of new transmission line”, sources said.
“Keeping in view the importance of the project for which the State was struggling for during past many years, it is imperative on the part of the concerned authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure that all the necessary clearances are sanctioned for the prestigious project”, sources stressed.
When asked, sources said that this alternate line, which initially would provide succor to J&K in getting power from other States, would be of immense help in evacuating power outside Jammu and Kashmir following completion of several hydro-electric projects, which either are in offing or being executed at present.
It is pertinent to mention here that former Development Commissioner Power, M A Salroo is the Resident Director of the Sterlite Company for this project. Since he has vast experience in the field, the project is likely to be completed well in time.
He was closely associated with this long pending demand and vigorously pursued the same at various levels in his capacity as Chief Engineer and DCP.
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